New Delhi, January 26: Amid heavy security cover to thwart any possible terror attacks, the 61st Republic Day celebrations began in the national capital with full grandeur braving dense fog and unpleasant weather on Tuesday.
A thick blanket of fog that engulfed the national capital in the wee hours could not deter eminent dignitaries, diplomats and the curious onlookers who locked themselves into the India Gate lawns to watch the 61st Republic Day parade notwithstanding the extremities of the weather.
Before the official start of the parade, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to soldiers who had laid down their lives in the defence of the country. Defence Minister AK Antony and the three service chiefs were with him for the ceremony to mark India’s 61st Republic Day.
After the Prime Minister laid a wreath at the memorial, the last post was sounded and two minutes’ silence was observed.
President awards gallantry medals
Shortly after that President Pratibha Patil, the supreme commander of three armed forces awarded three Ashok Chakras, the country’s highest gallantry award in peacetime, ahead of the 61st Republic Day parade that started amid swirling clouds of mist.
Two of the awards were posthumous – for Major Mohit Sharma and Havildar Rajesh Kumar. They were received by their wives, Major Rishima Sharma and Meeta Kumar respectively.
The third Ashok Chakra was awarded to Major D Sreeram Kumar.
On arrival at the saluting dais at the Rajpath, along with the chief guest for the occasion, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, Patil was received by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister AK Antony and the three service chiefs.
The President’s Bodyguard presented the national salute, the national anthem was played and the tricolour was unfurled.
Tight Security
A heavy security blanket was thrown around the capital in view of the event, which started at around 8: am today.
Snipers and mobile hit teams had fanned across the city to thwart any attempt to disrupt the national celebrations.
A ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place. Over 15,000 security personnel are maintained a tight vigil along the eight-kilometer-long parade route between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort, even as participants showcase the country’s diversity and military prowess.
Around 192 companies of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed on the parade route. Besides, CCTV cameras have been placed at key locations as part of the tight vigil.
National Security Guards (NSG) sharpshooters have also been deployed at various places, while patrolling in crowded market areas has been intensified. Metro train services will not operate at full steam during the duration of the parade, while security at railway stations and bus terminals has been tightened.
Security at the India Gandhi International Airport and the Palam Airport has also been strengthened.
Similarly, security for parades held in various state capitals has also been tightened, particularly in the sensitive states of Jammu and Kashmir and the north east.
Foggy start to R-Day parade
Braving the swirls of fog, which brought down visibility, and the many layers of security, families with children took their places from early morning in the enclosures along the Rajpath boulevard to watch India unfold its defence might and cultural diversity.
Dense blanket of fog engulfed the national capital, crippling road, rail and air services.
According to MET officials, “Visibility fell to less than 100 metres around 6.30 am The situation is likely to continue till afternoon.”
–Agencies